Header & footer
Add running text to the top and bottom of every page.
or drop files here
Runs on your device — your files are not uploaded.
Free: files up to 200 MB, up to 50 files. No daily limit.
To add a header and footer to a PDF, add the file, type the text for the top and bottom (dates, file name and page numbers can be inserted) and select Add header and footer.
How to add a header and footer to a PDF in 3 steps
- 1
Choose your PDF file, or drop it on the page.
- 2
Type text into any of the six slots and insert tokens such as {n} or {date}.
- 3
Select Add header and footer and download the result.
What can Header & footer do?
- Runs in your browser: your files never leave your device.
- Six slots: header and footer, each left, centre and right.
- Tokens: {n} page, {p} total, {file} name, {date}, {title}, {time}.
- Different text on odd and even pages.
- Font, size and colour.
- Page range and start number.
What goes in a PDF header and footer?
A PDF header and footer is running text at the top and bottom of every page, such as a document title, a date or a page number. Header & footer gives you six slots: left, centre and right in the header, and the same in the footer. Fill only the ones you need.
How do I add the date, file name or page number?
To add the date, file name or page number, type a token into a slot: {date}, {file} or {n}. {p} is the total number of pages, {time} the time you run the tool and {title} the document title. For example, put {title} on the left and Page {n} of {p} on the right.
Can odd and even pages have different text?
Yes, set different text for odd and even pages, so a page number sits at the outer edge of a double-sided print. Choose the font, size and colour, restrict the page range, and set where numbering starts.
For numbering only, Add page numbers is quicker; for legal case files, use Bates numbering. It runs in your browser, so your file is not uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add a header and footer to a PDF?
Add the PDF, type text into any of the six slots at the top and bottom of the page, and select Add header and footer. Tokens such as {n} and {date} are filled in on each page.
How do I add the date to a PDF?
Type {date} into a header or footer slot. It is replaced with the date you run the tool, and {time} adds the time.
What tokens can I use in a header or footer?
{n} becomes the page number, {p} the page count, {file} the file name, {date} and {time} the current date and time, and {title} the document title.
Can odd and even pages have different headers?
Yes. Turn on different odd and even pages and fill each set of slots separately.
How is this different from Add page numbers?
Add page numbers focuses on numbering. Header & footer lets you put several pieces of text, including numbers, on the same page.
Do I need to upload my PDF?
No. This tool runs in your browser, so your files stay on your device. Nothing is uploaded unless you choose to share the result or save it to a cloud drive.
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Last updated October 23, 2026